Chapter 5 — The Early Narratives and Preparation for Ministry

Question 1

Luke’s narrative reveals that Elizabeth, John’s mother and Mary were relatives and that

Answer 1

in the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Gabriel announced Christ’s coming.

Question 2

Concerning the annunciation and birth of Jesus, Luke shares that

Answer 2

through a decree of Caesar Augustus, Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem where Jesus was born.

Question 3

One possible explanation for the difference between the genealogies given by Matthew and Luke is that

Answer 3

Matthew gives the royal lineage while Luke gives the actual physical descent.

Question 4

According to the Law, presenting a child to the Lord required the parents to

Answer 4

take him to the temple in Jerusalem and offer a sacrifice.

Question 5

Regarding the birth and babyhood of Jesus, Matthew records that

Answer 5

in dreams, God told the Magi not to return to Herod and told Joseph to flee to Egypt.

Question 6

Jesus’ temple visit as a twelve-year-old was significant in that He

Answer 6

was prepared for His future role in the religious community.

Question 7

The first time Luke’s record shows Jesus’ awareness of His unique relationship to God the Father was at His

Answer 7

visit to the Jerusalem temple at twelve years old

Question 8

John the Baptist preached a baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sin and

Answer 8

announced Christ’s coming to prepare people for Him.

Question 9

Christ felt the need to be baptized because

Answer 9

it identified Him with sinful Humanity and pointed to His death, burial, and resurrection.

Question 10

Our Lord’s temptation is most significant in that He

Answer 10

was tempted in every way just as we are, yet was without sin.

Question 11

What information does 1 Chronicles 23-24 provide that helps us understand the role and function of the priests related to the temple?

Answer 11

Many priests and Levites were available for service in the temple, some for administration and judicial work, others for keeping the gates, and still others for musical ministry. Serving included everything from maintaining the temple promises and baking bread to praising God.

Question 12

What personal family information does Luke’s record provide about John and Jesus?

Answer 12

Luke’s detailed record of the annunciation of both John and Jesus tells us about the relationship of Mary and Elizabeth, the location of their homes, and John’s age in relation to that of Jesus.

Question 13

Contrast the annunciation of Christ which Matthew records with that of Luke.

Answer 13

Matthew says “an angel” spoke to Joseph in a dream, whereas Luke says Gabriel made the announcement to Mary.

Question 14

Which Gospel?
Gabriel visits Mary.

Answer 14

Luke

Question 15

Which Gospel?
Mary stays three months with Elizabeth.

Answer 15

Luke

Question 16

Which Gospel?
Joseph is aware of Mary’s pregnancy and considers divorcing her.

Answer 16

Matthew

Question 17

Which Gospel?
An angel appears to Joseph in a dream and informs him that Mary has conceived supernaturally, so he need not fear taking her as his wife.

Answer 17

Matthew

Question 18

Which Gospel?
This record reveals that Jesus is both the Son of David and the Son of the Most High, and it shows He is destined to have an everlasting kingdom.

Answer 18

Luke

Question 19

Which Gospel?
This record gives us the “Magnificat”

Answer 19

Luke

Question 20

Compare and contrast the genealogies of Christ in Matthew and Luke.

Answer 20

Matthew’s list goes to Abraham while Luke’s list goes to Adam.

Both list identical names from Abraham to David, but their names differ from David to Christ.

Matthew may give the royal rather than the physical lineage for Joseph, or Luke may give Mary’s lineage, but he ends with Joseph’s name because of Jewish custom.

Question 21

While there are difference between Matthew’s and Luke’s genealogies of Christ, what chief purpose to do they serve?

Answer 21

The help establish Christ’s legal claim as the descendent of the house of David

Question 22

According to Luke 2:25-38, why was the presence of Simeon and Anna at the presentation of Jesus significant?

Answer 22

They were devout Jews who acknowledged Jesus as the promised Messiah. Simeon’s words prophesied of Christ’s effective ministry and the grief Mary would experience because of His destiny. Anna, as a Godly prophetess, confirmed the word Joseph and Mary had already received from the Lord.

Question 23

Briefly give the details of Christ’s circumcision and presentation.

Answer 23

On His eighth day, Christ was circumcised and named. After thirty-three more days of purification, Joseph and Mary took Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord and offer a modest sacrifice.

Question 24

State the relation between the visit of the Magi and the flight into Egypt.

Answer 24

Because of the Magi’s visit, King Herod found out about Jesus and tried to kill Him. However, God warned Joseph of his intentions, so Joseph took his family and fled to Egypt.

Question 25

What does Jesus’ temple visit show us about His personal awareness?

Answer 25

He was aware of His special relationship with God.

Question 26

What can we conclude about Jesus’ family based on our discussion of Mark 6:3?

Answer 26

He

Question 27

List the three major contributions of John the Baptist.

Answer 27

1. He preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
2. He announced Christ’s coming.
3. He baptized Christ, which identified Him with sinful man.

Question 28

Explain why Christ felt the need for Baptism.

Answer 28

He felt the need to be baptized not to repent, but to identify with sinful people. This also pointed to His death, burial, and resurrection.

Question 29

Briefly summarize conclusions about why Christ was tempted.

Answer 29

He had to be exposed to all temptations as we are and able to resist them. He could demonstrate that His victory over the devil came by using the Word of God, giving us an example of how to overcome temptation.